Applying for Social Security Supplemental Income:

The Initial Application:
The first step for applying for SSI is preparing and filing an Adult Disability Report.   It will also be necessary for you to talk in person or on the phone with a representative of the Social Security Administration.  Our firm is happy to work with you through this initial application.  However, many persons contact an attorney after their initial application has been denied. 

Appeal Process:
If this initial Application is denied, it is necessary to appeal.  There are multiple steps that you can take to appeal a decision from the Social Security Administration.  This includes: Reconsideration, Administrative Law Judge Hearing, Appeals Council Review, & Federal Court Appeal.

Reconsideration
It is necessary to request a reconsideration within 60 days of an denial of your initial application.  By requesting a reconsideration, the Social Security Administration will review and reconsider the evidence and medical reports of your case.  After this review, the SSA will issue a notice of the reconsideration decision.

Administrative Law Judge Hearing
If the Reconsideration is denied, it is necessary for you to Request a Hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge.  Again, it is necessary for you to request this hearing within 60 days of the denial.  The Hearing will be your opportunity to explain, submit evidence, and bring witnesses regarding your disability case. We will help you prepare for your testimony in front of this Judge and submit the evidence for your case.  The Judge may ask questions of you and your witnesses.

Appeal Council
If the Judge denies your claim after your hearing, you can appeal this decision to the Social Security Administration Appeal Council.  The Appeal Council will grant, deny or dismiss your review request.  Again, it is necessary for you to request this hearing within 60 days of the denial.

Federal Court
Finally if all the above procedures result in a denial of your disability, you can file a civil action with the Federal Court regarding this denial.  This action must be filed timely within 60 days of the denial.